In a major political shift for the Dutch education sector, former chair of the Board of Maastricht University Rianne Letschert has officially been appointed Minister of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) in the new Dutch cabinet led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.  

The nomination has ended a tenure at Maastricht University which spanned over nine years, including serving as rector magnificus and, since 2021, chair of the Executive Board. The university has now appointed Pamela Habibović and Jan Smits to temporary leadership roles in the Supervisory Board. 

Letschert’s appointment was announced in early February, but her transition to the Hague began last winter, when she was first brought into national politics as informateur, guiding negotiations that resulted in a minority coalition agreement between the D66, VVD and CDA parties. Her portfolio spans across higher education, vocational education, science policy, culture and media, and she will work alongside State Secretary Judith Tielen (VVD), who will be responsible for primary and secondary education.  

Alongside her appointment, the incoming coalition has unveiled a new education agenda that promises stronger state support for universities and students. The proposed agenda is based on the underlying idea to reframe higher education as a strategic investment, emphasising international talent attraction and long-term competitiveness. Key elements from the coalition agreement include: 

• EUR 1.5 billion in structural investments for education and scientific research, marking a clear shift away from the 400-million-euro budget cuts enacted by the previous Cabinet; 
• reversing earlier proposals to limit non-Dutch-taught degrees (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, August 2025). 

Universities and student organisations have welcomed this new direction, describing the moment as a turning point for Dutch academia after years of uncertainty over funding and programme restrictions.